Be A Friend.

Today's Marketing Cookie is asking us to follow the golden rule.

Do you remember the golden rule? Just in case you don't, it goes like this: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I cannot tell you that if you treat other people the way you would like to be treated, they will always reciprocate accordingly because they won't. I cannot promise that if you are upfront and ethical in your business, your customers, partners, and competitors will do the same because they may not. I can most certainly promise you, however, that the only way to be treated with dignity and respect is to first treat others in this way—and the cycle begins with you.

As business leaders, we have the privilege of controlling the culture of our company. Is the culture in your company healthy? Is it fun? Do your employees enjoy coming to the office, or are they eagerly waiting for five o'clock? Do your customers love doing business with you? Do people smile in your company? If the answer to any of these questions is less than positive and no one seems to be smiling, it's probably time for you to follow the golden rule—because the cycle begins with you.

In business, we have an opportunity to set the tone for how our employees, prospects, customers, and partners are treated. Take time today to make someone in your company feel appreciated. If you aren't sure how, it's very easy. Just treat them the way you would like to be treated. Say "good morning," "please," and "thank you." Smile and get the door for someone. We're not talking about big stuff here. Sometimes even the tiniest gesture can have the greatest effect.

WARNING: If you haven't exactly treated others too well in a while, they may not trust your sudden goodwill.

Don't give up! If you are sincere and consistent over time, people will eventually accept your gracious actions and begin to pay it forward to their coworkers and customers. Before you know it, you will have transformed the culture in your company into something wonderful. The walls that had been built up over time between the employees or departments will begin to fall. Productivity will increase and, if you look closely enough, you may even notice that people are smiling. As today's fortune says, "The only way to have a friend is to be one," and remember—the cycle begins with you.